Hummels denies he 'promised' to join Man Utd

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has denied promising former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson that he would join the Old Trafford club if he leaves German football.

Reports emerged on Tuesday suggesting Hummels had made a pledge to join United, with his vow to Ferguson seemingly close to becoming a reality as rumours mount that he is on his way to Old Trafford this summer.

Yet the German World Cup winner took to Twitter to swiftly dismiss any such 'deal' with United, as he stated:

To clarify it: this supposed "promise" is simply fictitious ... and that's the friendly formulation."

Hummels, who could cost from £30-40m, has long been linked with United, most recently in the January transfer window.

No deal materialised then, but rumours have persisted with manager Louis van Gaal a known admirer of the player and thought likely to want to bolster his defensive ranks in the summer.